Solar Engineering Of Thermal Processes

Several simplified design procedures for solar energy systems require monthly average meteorological data. Monthly average daily totals of the solar radiation incident on a horizontal surface are available. However, radiation data on tilted surfaces, required by the design procedures, are generally not available. A simple method of estimating the average daily radiation for each calendar month on surfaces facing directly towards the equator has been presented by Liu and Jordan [1]. This method is verified with experimental measurements and extended to allow calculation of monthly average radiation on surfaces of a wide range of orientations.

Calculation of monthly average insolation on tilted surfaces

Race Car Vehicle Dynamics

This review presents various control strategies for application systems utilizing smart magneto-rheological fluid (MRF) and magneto-rheological elastomers (MRE). It is well known that both MRF and MRE are actively studied and applied to many practical systems such as vehicle dampers. The mandatory requirements for successful applications of MRF and MRE include several factors: advanced material properties, optimal mechanisms, suitable modeling, and appropriate control schemes. Among these requirements, the use of an appropriate control scheme is a crucial factor since it is the final action stage of the application systems to achieve the desired output responses. There are numerous different control strategies which have been applied to many different application systems of MRF and MRE, summarized in this review. In the literature review, advantages and disadvantages of each control scheme are discussed so that potential researchers can develop more effective strategies to achieve higher control performance of many application systems utilizing magneto-rheological materials.

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State of the art of control schemes for smart systems featuring magneto-rheological materials

Much research has gone into developing advanced control algorithms for semi-active suspension. Experimental validation of these control algorithms is critical for their practical applications. This paper investigates a state-observer-based Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy controller (SOTSFC) design for a semi-active quarter-car suspension installed with a magnetorheological (MR) damper and provides proof of the effectiveness of the proposed controller. To conduct the test, a quarter-car test rig and control system hardware were used. Then, a new MR damper was designed and built to fit with the test rig. After that, the SOTSFC for the quarter-car test rig was developed. Finally, several tests were conducted on the quarter-car suspension in order to investigate the real effect of the SOTSFC. It was then compared with the use of a skyhook controller to demonstrate its benefits.

Takagi–Sugeno Fuzzy Control for Semi-Active Vehicle Suspension With a Magnetorheological Damper and Experimental Validation

Engineering education requires learning strategies to engage students and improve the development of disciplinary and transversal competencies. Additionally, as economic resources are generally limited, it is sought to avoid investing large sums of money in software and hardware, as well as in fitting out laboratories. This work presents a didactic proposal within the framework of active and collaborative learning that includes the flipped classroom technique to be applied in the curriculum of undergraduate engineering programs and inside a massive flexible digital master class. The activity is the mathematical modeling, simulation, and control system of a direct current motor where simulation work is carried out in open license computational packages. Students understand the physical phenomena involved in the motor’s modeling and the input–output variables’ relations. Moreover, an analogy between an electromechanical and a pure electrical model is carried out, where the relevant variables respond in an agile and reliable manner. To validate the modeling, the differential equations are solved by applying numerical methods, and tested for control purposes. The activity has been validated with a rule-based system applied to a Likert scale survey data. This type of human–computer interaction, in the context of active learning, could engage students and motivate them to develop competencies that are highly appreciated by industry practitioners.

/pdf/an-active-learning-didactic-proposal-with-human-computer-mapufubh.pdf

An Active Learning Didactic Proposal with Human-Computer Interaction in Engineering Education: A Direct Current Motor Case Study

The present work describes the implementation of a prototype to characterize thermoelectric modules (TEM). The goal is to study the energy conversion by means of thermoelectric modules mounted on concrete structures. The proposed experimental system is used for the electrical characterization of a commercially available thermoelectric module TEC1-12710 to prove its operation while embedded in a concrete slab, typical of building constructions. In this case, the parameters that define thermal energy conversion into electrical energy are open-circuit voltage generation, loaded circuit voltage generation, and load current. A known external load is connected to the terminals of the TEM for the purpose of its electric characterization. An electrical heating element on the hot side and a thermoelectric cooler on the cold side produce a temperature difference on the concrete slab. This arrangement allows the emulation of a temperature gradient produced by sunlight over a concrete structure. The objective is to measure the resulting electrical energy produced by the combination of concrete slab and the thermoelectric module. By controlling the temperature difference between the sides of the thermoelectric module under test, it is possible to simulate the effect of the temperature gradient under different sunlight conditions. Two digital PI controllers regulate the temperature conditions, thus providing controlled conditions for the experiments.

https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/22/5/1881/pdf?version=1646013310

Characterization System for Heat-Energy to Electric-Energy Conversion from Concrete by Means of a Thermoelectric Module

Project Oriented Learning in Mechatronics courses curricula is a key aspect in the teaching-learning process. In addition,graduated engineers with competences in design and implementation of renewable energy systems are in strong demand bytoday’s society. This paper presents a solar tracking system test-bench used to track the path of the sun and to redirect thesolar beams to a specific point. The system is composed by an electromechanical plant and a control system implemented inNational Instruments LabVIEW IDE. Such system is proposed to carry out a project in mechatronics engineeringcurricula for introducing undergraduate engineering students to mechatronics design and prototype implementation in thecontext of actual renewable energies. This proposal aims to develop students’ competencies oriented to the design,implementation and validation of mechatronic systems. The experimental platform would allow the teacher tocomplement theoretical aspects, whereas students would learn in a challenging environment where they would generatea complex prototype focused to solve a current world problem.

Solar tracking system: an educational tool to introduce mechatronics engineering to renewable energy studies

This paper proposes the computation and assessment of optimal tilt and azimuth angles for a receiving surface, using a mathematical model developed at the University of Tomsk, Russia. The model was validated and analyzed for the Nuevo Leon State, Northeast Mexico, utilizing a set of metrics, comparing against satellite data from NASA. A point of interest in the city of Monterrey was analyzed to identify orientation patterns throughout the year for an optimal solar energy gathering. The aim is providing the best orientation tilt angles for photovoltaic or solar thermal panels without tracking systems. In addition, this analysis is proposed as a tool to achieve optimal performance in sustainable urban development in the region. Based on the findings, a set of optimal tilt and azimuth surface angles are proposed for the analyzed coordinates. The aim is to identify the optimal performance to obtain the maximum solar irradiation possible over the year for solar projects in the region. The results show that the model can be used as a tool to accelerate decision making in the design of solar harvesting surfaces and allows the design of discrete tracking systems with an increase in solar energy harvesting above 5% annually.

Computing and assessment of discrete angle positions for optimizing the solar energy harvesting for urban sustainable development

Vehicle suspension systems are responsible for absorbing and filtering road irregularities to provide passenger safety and ride comfort. However, different vehicle and suspension parameters can affect the vibratory response. Consequently, vibrational analysis with different types of transmission is necessary. Furthermore, the electrification of the automotive chassis leads to the necessity of understanding the effects of introducing electric machines. This work analyzes the vibratory effect of changing a differential axis for an e-axle. This research presents a study on a half car model and body roll mode with different e-axles compared to a standard differential axle. Thus, changes concerning comfort, e-axle oscillation, and handling are considered in the time and frequency domains. In addition, a parametric sensitivity study is performed. The obtained results could be applied as design guidelines when sizing an e-axle solution.

L. C. Félix-Herrán

Papers

An Active Learning Didactic Proposal with Human-Computer Interaction in Engineering Education: A Direct Current Motor Case Study

Characterization System for Heat-Energy to Electric-Energy Conversion from Concrete by Means of a Thermoelectric Module

Solar tracking system: an educational tool to introduce mechatronics engineering to renewable energy studies

Computing and assessment of discrete angle positions for optimizing the solar energy harvesting for urban sustainable development

E-Axle Effect on the Vibratory Response of a Vehicle